Yikes, that's a new one for me. First, who doesn't empty a magazine on the range? I mean your whole reason to be there is to "shoot off" a gun, not your mouth. Can you enjoy conversation? certainly .. but leaving a loaded gun on the table/bench .. that's clearly inappropriate and (as you've clearly articulated) unsafe.

If you get through basic training in any military, I'd hope you learn the importance of gun safety.. regardless of your role or rank in said military. While forgiveness is a good practice, so are hard lessons. Hopefully this young man understands the unnecessary and preventable risk that he created and doesn't hold a grudge.